CalArts Student Benjamin Macias Wins 2018 Rigoletto Art Contest

Rigoletto | Photo from LA Opera

LA Opera has selected its winners for their Rigoletto art contest and a CalArtian has won their top prize. The top submission, by Benjamin Macias (Art BFA 03), was selected for the Rigoletto cover, earning him a $5,000 prize. A total of 53 entries in a competition to see their artwork appear on the Rigoletto program cover and will be displayed at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion once the opera kicks off this month. The three winning submissions are pictured above.

I felt really happy when I found out,” said Macias. “I remember reading the email over and over again, and kept asking myself ‘Is this real?’ … [I’m] super grateful to the people at LA Opera and opportunities provided for students.

Faith Angelie Dela Cruz of California State University, Fullerton won $2,000 for second place and Sean Devine Robinson of Pasadena City College won $1,000 for third place. The three winners have been invited to the opening night performance and cast supper, to be toasted by the cast of Rigoletto; all qualifying contestants have also been invited to see the show during its run.

Rigoletto is the unforgettable tale of a father’s rage, a daughter’s shame and a self-centered ruler who thinks he can get away with anything. Several of Verdi’s best-known tunes accentuate this timeless tragedy of sacrifice, betrayal, and revenge. The powerful and arresting staging by Mark Lamos features striking scenic perspectives and elaborate period costumes.

Opening night is May 12, with shows running through June 3, at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

—by Oscar Burrows-Rangel